Using simulation to address staff wellbeing and retention in a global non-healthcare organisation
The Brief:
This case study brief focuses on the use of simulation to address staff wellbeing and retention in a global non-healthcare organization. The objective is to create a remote live workshop that enables staff to feel comfortable having proactive conversations with their colleagues on a daily basis. The brief outlines the problem, the requirement, the outcome, and tangible results of implementing this simulation-based approach.
The Problem:
Stress, anxiety, and depression have a significant impact on the working age population, leading to staff attrition and reduced productivity. Despite policy initiatives, employees still struggle with managing these issues, and there is a need for practical training to help them have effective conversations. Colleagues have expressed a desire for hands-on “practice” in having conversations, particularly in large organizations. Therefore, the challenge is to develop a solution that addresses staff wellbeing and retention through simulated scenarios in a cross-cultural global setting.
The Requirement:
The requirement is to create a remote live workshop lasting four hours, suitable for a global non-healthcare organization. The workshop should incorporate authentic simulated scenarios that provide participants with an opportunity to practice having proactive conversations with their colleagues. Prior to the workshop, participants should complete three online eLearning modules to increase their awareness, proactivity, and responsiveness. The workshop should be designed to accommodate participants from different time zones and enable small group discussions. A follow-up session should also be scheduled a month later to allow participants to discuss their personal areas of focus.
The Outcome:
The outcome of this initiative is to improve staff support, retention, and wellbeing within the non-healthcare organization. By providing a safe space for participants to engage in simulated scenarios, they can develop the skills and confidence needed to have productive conversations with their colleagues. The workshop aims to enhance sensitivity to different situations, improve observation skills, promote shared values with staff, encourage spending more time with colleagues, and emphasize the importance of self-care. The global scope of the program, with participants from five regions, highlights its relevance and applicability to diverse workplaces. The ultimate goal is to replicate this approach in other organizations facing similar challenges, benefiting society as a whole.
Tangible Results:
The development of the simulation-based workshop involved 120 hours of work in 2021-2022. Eight pilot sessions were conducted, and feedback from participating managers, facilitators, and actors was analyzed to refine the content and delivery. In 2023, an additional 24 workshops are being conducted using the revised content and delivery structure. A total of 144 actors, 24 facilitators, and 24 simulation advisers are involved in these workshops, catering to 192 participants grouped into small clusters based on geographical regions. A 90-minute follow-up session is scheduled a month later to allow participants to discuss their identified areas of focus. The program has created a safe space for participants, and the challenges related to timekeeping and actor integration have been mitigated through the pilot experience.
Conclusion:
This simulation-based program, comprising online eLearning modules, a remote live workshop, and follow-up group sessions, has the potential to significantly improve staff support, retention, and wellbeing within the non-healthcare organization. Its global reach and relevance make it applicable to a diverse range of workplaces, with the potential for replication in other organizations facing similar challenges. By addressing staff wellbeing and retention, this program can contribute to creating a positive work environment and have a broader societal impact.
